Experiment Report: Effect of Salt on Boiling Temperature of Water

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of adding table salt to water on its boiling temperature. The hypothesis tested was that the addition of salt to water would raise its boiling point. Four trials were conducted with varying amounts of salt added, and the highest temperatures reached during boiling were recorded. The results showed that the boiling temperature increased with the addition of salt, confirming the hypothesis. This experiment highlights the impact of salt on the physical properties of water, with potential applications in cooking and heat transfer processes.

Introduction

Water boiling at 212°F is a well-known fact, but there is a common belief that adding salt to water can alter its boiling temperature. This experiment aims to explore whether the addition of table salt to water affects its boiling point. The research question posed is whether salt increases the boiling temperature of water, and the hypothesis suggests that it does.

Table salt is often added to water before boiling, with claims that it can expedite the boiling process.

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Some argue that the boiling temperature difference is insignificant for small quantities of water, but becomes more noticeable with larger volumes. Understanding the impact of salt on boiling temperature can have practical implications in various culinary and industrial processes.

Methods

Experimental Design: The experiment involved four trials, each using 2 cups of distilled water in a 2-quart cooking pot. The trials were as follows:

1. No salt (Control)
2. 1 Tablespoon of table salt (Trial #1)
3. 1 Tablespoon of table salt (Trial #2)
4. 1 Tablespoon of table salt (Trial #3)

For each trial, the water was brought to a boil, and the highest temperature reached during boiling was recorded using a Fahrenheit thermometer.

The pot and burner were allowed to cool between runs, and the pot was washed to remove salt residue.

Variables:

Independent Variable: Amount of salt added to the water

Dependent Variable: Temperature at which the water boils

Controlled Variables: Temperature of stove setting, pot, type of water, brand of salt, amount of water, thermometer

Results

The recorded data for each trial is presented in the following table:

These results demonstrate that the addition of table salt to water indeed raised the boiling temperature compared to the control, with an average increase of 2.4°F. However, slight variations in temperature may be attributed to measurement errors or inconsistencies in salt distribution.

Discussion

The results support the hypothesis that adding table salt to water increases its boiling temperature. The observed increase of 2.4°F is consistent with the literature, which suggests that salt elevates the boiling temperature of water due to boiling point elevation. The experiment's design and controlled variables helped ensure the reliability of the results.

However, it is important to acknowledge potential sources of error, such as slight variations in salt measurement and the sensitivity of temperature readings. Further experiments with precise measurements and larger sample sizes could provide more accurate results. Additionally, the practical applications of this phenomenon, such as in cooking, may benefit from additional investigations.

Conclusion

Confirmation of Hypothesis: The hypothesis that adding table salt to water causes the water to boil at a higher temperature was confirmed. The average temperature of water with salt was 215.1°F, while the control without salt was 212.7°F, resulting in a difference of 2.4 degrees.

It is noteworthy that the temperature readings required precautions such as wearing oven mitts to avoid burns and ensuring that the thermometer was not too close to the stove to prevent skewed readings.

Experimental Design as a Key Factor

The design of the experiment is crucial in maintaining reliable and valid results. A single independent variable was used to avoid confusion, and maintaining consistency in other variables helps ensure the reliability of the experiment.

Replication

Replicating this experiment can contribute to the validity of the results. Further trials with different amounts of salt can be conducted to investigate if there is a point at which salt addition no longer increases the boiling point.

Evaluation of Validity

Replicating this experiment multiple times can enhance the validity of the results. Accurate measurement of both water and salt is essential for collecting precise data.

References

• Southwest Research Institute. (2014). Does water boil faster if you put salt in the water? Retrieved from http://www.swri.org/10light/water.htm
• Experimental Science Projects. (n.d.). The Effect of Salt on the Boiling Temperature of Water. Retrieved from http://www.freesciencefairproject.com/projects/effect_salt_boiling_water.html
• Effect of Salt on the Boiling Temperature of Water. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.actiondonation.org/articles/effect-of-salt.html
• ScienceBase. (n.d.). How does salt affect the boiling point of water? Retrieved from http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/how-does-salt-affect-the-boiling-point-of-water.html